The International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP)  and US law firm Hausfled confirmed that they have filed a civil damages case in California against former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The case has been filed on behalf of Roy Samathanam, a Canadian Tamil and a torture survivor. The ITJP said he was detained from 2007-2010 by the Terrorist Investigations Division (TID). 

Samathanam, the ITJP said, was physically and psychologically tortured and forced to sign a false confession before being released in August 2010 on a plea deal and payment of a fine.

The organization said the notice was issued to Rajapaksa at Trader Joes parking lot in Pasadena. 

Rajapaksa was holidaying in the US while notice was issued to him in relation with two cases. 

Former Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickrematunga's daughter, Ahimsa Wickrematunga, has also filed a lawsuit against the former Defence Secretary over the murder of her father.